Much of our state experienced torrential rains, flooding and tornadoes at the start of 2012. The first snowfall covered parts of the Panhandle and Permian Basin – some areas in as much as a foot of snow. Though not always common, events like these still happen, which is why it is important to continually remind our communities what dangers and threats to be aware of and how to prepare.

Severe Weather Awareness Week in Texas is February 19-25, 2012. The goal of this event is not only to educate new residents and generations about the dangers of Texas weather, but also to remind our residents to update their emergency plans, double check emergency supply kits and to be prepared for tornadoes, floods, hail, straight-line windstorms and other potentially dangerous events.

Each year, the National Weather Service and the Texas Division of Emergency Management, local officials and emergency managers throughout the state join together in a public awareness campaign to prepare Texans to deal with severe weather events.

Again and again you have supported these statewide efforts to keep our communities safe and to raise awareness of the dangers of severe weather events in Texas. I hope you will continue your dedicated support of this key initiative. Thank you for everything you do for our state.